Van livery rules: Chapter 8 chevrons explained (UK)

If your van or pickup ever stops or works on the highway, Chapter 8 is your roadmap for being seen and staying safe. This guide breaks down what Chapter 8 asks for, what’s required vs. recommended, and how to choose the right chevron kit for your vehicle.

What is “Chapter 8” (in plain English)?

“Chapter 8” refers to guidance in the UK Traffic Signs Manual on how vehicles working on roads should be marked so other drivers can see them clearly.

• It’s guidance, not an Act of Parliament, but it’s widely treated as the industry standard.

• Highways, councils, utilities and contractors often require compliance in their contracts and RAMS.

• Following it reduces risk, helps with insurance and H&S, and shows you’re a professional operator.

Who needs Chapter 8 chevrons?

You should follow Chapter 8 if you:

• Stop or work on carriageways, verges or hard shoulders (maintenance, surveying, utilities, event traffic management, breakdowns, litter picking, etc.).

• Operate on high-speed roads (50mph+) or in low-visibility conditions.Private vans simply used for travel generally don’t need chevrons—until they start working/stopping on the road.

The essentials: rear markings (chevrons)

For vehicles that stop/work on the highway, Chapter 8 recommends on the rear:

• Alternating red and fluorescent yellow stripes at ~45° (downwards from the centre to the outside edges).

• Retroreflective red (so it reflects at night).

• Fluorescent yellow (high-viz by day; may be non-reflective or reflective depending on your spec).

• Cover as much of the rear as reasonably practicable, excluding windows, lights, number plate and legally required markings.

• Optional but common: a “HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE” legend in black on a yellow background (or your company/contractor wording if required).

Tip: On tailgates/doors with badges and handles, choose a pre-cut kit for a clean fit and easy replacement of damaged panels.

Sides and front: high-visibility options

• Sides: Add high-conspicuity markings (e.g., fluorescent panels or reflective contour tape) and your amber beacons if you regularly stop in live traffic.

• Front: Do not apply red retroreflective material to the front (only to the rear). Use neutral or yellow conspicuity materials at the front if needed.

High-speed vs low-speed roads

• High-speed roads (≥50mph): Full rear chevrons strongly recommended. Use beacon(s) and supplementary signage/traffic management as your RAMS dictates.

• Low-speed roads: You still need to be conspicuous—chevrons are recommended if you’re stopping in live traffic, on bends, or in poor visibility.

Colours, materials & durability

• Films: Microprismatic retroreflective for the red; premium fluorescent film for yellow.

• Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years for fluorescent areas; reflective reds often last longer.

• Cleaning: Hand-wash is best. If pressure-washing, keep the lance >1 m away and avoid spraying edges directly.

• Replacement: Because kits are panelled, you can swap a damaged section without re-doing the whole rear.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Red reflective on the front (not allowed).

• Covering lamps, number plates, cameras or sensors.

• Mixing odd stripe widths/angles so the pattern looks messy or non-standard.

• Using cheap, non-fluorescent yellow that fades quickly.

• No RAMS/traffic management—chevrons help, but they don’t replace proper cones, signs and a safe working method.

At-a-glance compliance checklist

•  Alternating red retroreflective and fluorescent yellow stripes on the rear, ~45° angle

•  Coverage as large as practicable; keep lights/plate/windows clear

•  Amber beacon(s) fitted and used when stopped/working

•  High-conspicuity side markings if you regularly stop in traffic

•  No red reflective to the front

•  Materials from recognised brands; warranty on film & install

•  RAMS/traffic management in place for the job and road speed

What does a chevron kit cost?

Prices vary by van size and film grade, but typical ranges are:

• Supply-only pre-cut kit: from £180–£350

• Supply & fit: from £250–£550Add-ons (beacons, side tape, rear wording panels) are priced separately. For fleets, unit costs drop with volume.

Example specs you can ask for

• Rear: Red microprismatic retroreflective + fluorescent yellow, 150 mm stripes at 45°, full-height kit, aperture cut-outs included.

• Legend panel: “HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE” in black, high-contrast font.

• Sides: 50 mm reflective contour tape along sill and shoulder lines (where permitted), plus company branding.

• Install: Dry-fit on cleaned/decontaminated panels, edge-sealed on exposed edges, post-heat verified.

FAQs

Is Chapter 8 law?It’s formal guidance. Many authorities and contractors require it contractually, and it’s best practice for safety/insurance.

Do I need chevrons for every job?If you’ll stop or work on the road—even briefly—chevrons and beacons are strongly recommended. For depot-only use, they’re optional.

Can I brand over chevrons?Yes, but keep the chevrons clear and dominant on the rear. Put logos/contacts on the sides and upper rear if space allows.

Will chevrons pass an MOT? Chevrons don’t affect MOT provided they don’t obscure lights/plate and are applied properly.

What about ECE104 reflective tape?ECE104 is mandatory for many HGVs and trailers, not vans—but reflective side/rear outlines are still useful for visibility and often requested by clients.

How Signmasta can help

• Pre-cut, vehicle-specific kits for clean alignment and fast fitting

• Pro-grade films that stay bright and compliant

• On-site or in-unit fitting across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire & Cheshire

• Free design help and fleet rates

Need Chapter 8-compliant chevrons for your van or fleet?👉 [Get a quick quote] (link this to your form) — tell us your vehicle, year, and where you’ll be operating (high- or low-speed roads).

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